River Heritage Museum celebrates 25 years

Along with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Cape River Heritage Museum is promoting "Where the River Turns a Thousand Tales," as the city of Cape Girardeau ushers in its bicentennial anniversary.

Special activities at the museum include a lecture by Chief Paul White Eagle from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. April 22. An appearance by a Mark Twain impersonator is scheduled for May.

University historic preservation students, under the direction of Dr. Eric Clements, have set up mini-venues of popular exhibits from past years including river, bridal, quilts, medicine and antique toys.

Permanent exhibits at the museum include Marie Watkins Oliver's state flag; Willard Duncan Vandiver's coinage of the phrase "I'm from Missouri, you've got to show me"; and a Missouri mule adopted as the state animal in 1995. The museum honors police and firemen and businesses of the past as well.

The museum, across from the new federal building at 538 Independence St., is open for regular hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Special tours are welcome. Call 334-0405.